The early planning for future upgrades of the Motueka and Tākaka Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTPs) has started.
The current consents for these plants expire in 2035 for Motueka and 2038 for Tākaka, so it’s important we begin work now to understand future needs, meet new national environmental standards, and continue to protect our waterways and communities.
Our staff are currently:
· Reviewing and checking how our current plants compare.
· Working alongside iwi through the Iwi–Council Working Group, within the Together Te Tauihu Partnership Agreement.
· Developing an early workplan, looking at land requirements, environmental impacts, potential treatment options, and long-term costs.
· Ensuring all seven WWTPs across Tasman continue to meet their resource consent requirements alongside the new Wastewater Environmental Performance Standards, which came into effect in December 2025.
This work will take several years. Early investigations and iwi partnership work are underway now, with community conversations expected to begin from 2027.
Construction of any new or upgraded treatment facilities would occur closer to 2030–2033, followed by decommissioning of older infrastructure if needed.
No decisions have been made yet about locations, treatment technology, or design. These will be worked through carefully with Elected Members, iwi, and the community, once investigation work provides clear options.
We will provide updates as this programme progresses and invite community input at key stages.